# Prof. Sinan Aral on influence within social networks

1 Faculty News September 25, 2012 ![NPR logo](/sites/default/files/styles/246w/public/assets/images/con_030855.jpg?itok=Ti1_93MD)>

Excerpt from [NPR](http://www.npr.org/blogs/therecord/2012/09/25/161702900/crowd-funding-for-musicians-isnt-the-future-its-the-present?sc=tw) -- "[Sinan Aral](http://www.stern.nyu.edu/faculty/bio/sinan-aral) is a scientist who teaches at New York University's Stern School of Business. He speaks about his specialty, influence and susceptibility in social networks, often. 'Typically in talks I ask people to raise their hand if they follow Ashton Kutcher on Twitter or know who Ashton Kutcher is,' Aral says. 'Everyone raises their hand. I have them put their hands down and then I ask, 'Who in the room has ever done anything Ashton Kutcher asked them to do?' And typically one sheepish person will raise their hand.'"

[Read more](http://www.npr.org/blogs/therecord/2012/09/25/161702900/crowd-funding-for-musicians-isnt-the-future-its-the-present?sc=tw)